Reface a Fireplace with Stone Veneer

Step 1: Mix the Mortar

Cut a bag of thinset mortar in half using your trowel. Half of an 80 lb. Bag is enough for the hearth, legs, and header of one fireplace. If you’re setting 2 fireplaces, mix the complete bag.

Add a few cup of fresh water to a clean five-gallon bucket. this may prevent the mortar from protruding to rock bottom of the bucket.

Add the thinset slowly into the bucket. also add water in tiny amounts at a time – you don’t need to finish up with a watery combine. Use a trowel or power mixer to stir the mixture till there are not any lumps and it’s a consistency of dentifrice .

Set the mixture aside for fifteen minutes to permit it to “slake,” then remix.

The thinset mortar is currently able to be used. Once mixed, thinset remains in an exceedingly workable state for up to eight hours. once it begins to dry out, don’t use it, and don’t add water – it’ll solely weaken the mortar’s bond.

Step 2: Install the Hearth Stone

Place the hearth stone on 2 2x4s to form it easier to maneuver into place once you are able to apply the thinset. the hearth stone is that the largest and heaviest stone, that makes it easy to interrupt. Handle it terribly carefully.

Use a hand trowel to use a thin layer of mortar to the hearth base. With a helper, elevate and set the granite into place.

If the hearth is recessed into the ground, set the back draw near first, move your fingers out of harm’s method, then use a hand trowel placed below the front edge to lower the stone into place.

Tap the hearth stone gently with a rubber mallet to get rid of trapped air bubbles and make sure that the stone adheres to the thinset. Check that the stone is level, front to back and side to side.

Step 3: Install the Vertical Sections

Begin by cutting four 2x4s to use as braces for the stone legs and header. you’ll want one brace for every leg and two for the header stone. Cut the 2×4 ends at 45-degree angles. The leg braces ought to be move a length that may support the stone about simple fraction of the high.

Apply three massive dollops, or a thin even layer, of thinset to the rear (saw-cut) side of the primary leg section. Set this leg into place, ensuring that the polished edge is exposed. Adjust the piece till it’s vertically plumb and level. Place the 2×4 support against the leg, and use a concrete block to brace the support. Repeat this step with the second leg.

Step 4: Install the Header

Place a level across the highest of the two legs to make certain they’re equal tall. this may confirm whether the stone header that spans between them is level.

Place four massive dollops (or one thin layer) of thinset on the rear side of the header. make certain the polished edge is facing down and exposed. Set the stone in place, employing a medium quantity of pressure to confirm that it adheres to the thinset. Check that the header is plumb and level, and brace it using 2 2x4s.

Use damp rags to wash any mortar from the perimeters or face of the stone sections, tools and also the close space before it dries hard. enable the stone to take a seat for 12-24 hours before removing the braces.